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Original poster

White fingers after running-what works?

19 replies

MrsTopaz · 05/10/2023 15:19

For the last two times I have run (5K) afterwards I have noticed my fingers are white. It hasn’t really been cold, about 17 degs. I’ve been in short sleeve tshirt and running shorts which has always been fine in the past. Looking online it looks like raynaulds. I had no symptoms while running, only after stopping.
the obvious solution is gloves but ive worn before when super cold and I hate the feeling. I’m maybe going to try them after. And an extra warm coat for when I stop. Anything that has worked for anyone else? Many thanks

OP posts:

ExPreschoolTrustee · 08/10/2023 23:24

No idea OP but just wanted to say I get this too
Doesn't seem to really matter whether it's that cold or not - and it's once I've stopped running - so in the car or shower

It will be Raynauds related but hopefully not serious as it doesn't last longer than an hour for me

I try to flex my hands a lot when I finish a run - sometimes helps

Original poster

MrsTopaz · 09/10/2023 19:05

Thanks @ExPreschoolTrustee , nice to know I’m not alone but sorry you have this too. Tomorrow I’m going to try having longer sleeves on and then putting a super warm layer on for the cool down stretch/drive home and see if this makes any difference. Hope so, it was quite scary when they went so white! If I have any joy with anything I’ll let you know.

OP posts:

gawditswindy · 09/10/2023 21:35

I get this too, and my mum has Raynauds so am pretty sure that's what it is. I could never imagine running with gloves on, either - way too hot.

motleymop · 09/10/2023 21:35

Eating after a run.

motleymop · 09/10/2023 21:37

Oh sorry - I realise you mean what helps during a run. I like running gloves - somehow my hands feel less awkward as well when I have them on!

xsquared · 09/10/2023 21:46

I get this too in the winter, even when I have my layers on and running gloves.

A hot shower is usually what works for me.

HvalaALot · 09/10/2023 21:47

Try Working Hands. It has helped my DF

lljkk · 09/10/2023 21:49

Vibrations can bring on Raynauds. Who knew, right? Just glove up, is all I can suggest !!

enchantedsquirrelwood · 20/10/2023 20:54

I get it too, I wear running gloves when it's anything less than about 12 degrees.

WinterDipper · 20/10/2023 20:56

My DH gets it too he does try gloves when it’s really cold but nothing seems to stop it.

FusionChefGeoff · 20/10/2023 20:56

Snap. I have to layer up immediately - ideally changing out of wet bra / top. Cup of peppermint tea helps. But usually I'm not properly sorted until after a hot shower or bath.

It's your core temp that's the issue not hands so don't don't faff about with gloves just get your body as warm as possible as quickly as possible.

Watchkeys · 21/10/2023 20:58

Why do you need a solution? I've had this all my life, it just goes away when I get warmed up. You only need a solution if it gets very severe (hours/days without much circulation)... I imagine yours goes away shortly after your run? When you get the heater on in the car, or get in the shower?

woofwoofandwoof · 21/10/2023 21:18

Vibration white finger is a form of Raynaulds Syndrome. It's common in people who use vibrating tools at work (I'm talking about things like road drills you dirty minded people) but other stuff can cause it that are more minor vibrations like holding a car steering wheel when driving, a shopping trolley - and now you've said it running maybe?

It's a vascular disease and avoiding cold helps. If you are a smoker, stopping nicotine can also help.

enchantedsquirrelwood · 23/10/2023 08:13

People would probably like a solution to this because it can be quite painful, even though it doesn't last long. The only one I've found is warm gloves, though. It happens to me when I've been sitting at my desk for a while in the winter, too, which is more difficult to deal with with gloves - I do have fingerless gloves for typing, but by definition they don't keep the fingers warm!

Watchkeys · 23/10/2023 19:53

@enchantedsquirrelwood

OP didn't mention pain though.

It's about your core temperature. Stick a hot water bottle , well insulated, in between your seat and your lower back. Your body might be more willing to give some blood to your fingers if it's not using it warming your core.

bellac11 · 23/10/2023 19:59

woofwoofandwoof · 21/10/2023 21:18

It's a vascular disease and avoiding cold helps. If you are a smoker, stopping nicotine can also help.

This is interesting. I have just started getting this around 18 months ago, I get it in supermarkets (where its cold but Im also pushing a trolley around), I get it in the car. Sometimes its nothing to do with vibration.

Im not a runner by the way, or any exercise really

I also get it on my feet, losing sensation for a while, then it comes back

Im peri menopausal. A year ago I changed my whole lifestyle and went mainly lowish carb (not low carb) and my OH says its because of that and weight loss but it came on before that so I dont buy that. My vitamin and mineral levels are perfect so its not a b vit issue.

Not sure whether to go to the doctors about it, I never seem to get anywhere with them about anything anyway

Original poster

MrsTopaz · 24/10/2023 18:04

Yes it’s not pain as such, it’s more seeing them so white-it freaks me out (quite) a bit and I worry about its causing damage to the soft tissue/blood vessels in some way so want to prevent it if I can.

OP posts:

Watchkeys · 24/10/2023 18:14

It's very common. It's a bit like worrying that a headache is causing tissue damage to your brain. It might be, but generally you can just get on with things and it clears up harmlessly by itself. If you're worried, see your doctor, but most people with Reynauds just get themselves warmed up and away from the vibration as soon as is convenient.

SingingSands · 24/10/2023 18:55

It's quite common in runners. Your body is working hard sending blood (and oxygen) to your lungs, heart and large muscle groups. It draws this from your extremities. You might have noticed it in your toes too. It's not dangerous. It can be very tingly when the blood starts flowing again - mine sort of go numb then tingly and can take a while to feel normal again.

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